Voice Actors Replaced in Zenless Zone Zero, Discovered via Patch Notes

In a recent development that underscores the ongoing tensions between voice actors and the video game industry over the use of generative AI, two actors from the game Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) discovered they had been replaced after the game's patch notes were released. The actors, Emeri Chase and Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced Soldier 11 and Lycaon respectively, found themselves replaced amid the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists' (SAG-AFTRA) ongoing dispute with the industry over AI protections.

ZZZ, developed by HoYoverse, the creators of Genshin Impact, is not directly affected by the SAG-AFTRA strike, as it was in development before the strike commenced on July 25, 2024. However, the situation highlights the broader issues at play. Voice actors, including union members like Chase, are choosing not to sign new contracts or work on projects without a SAG Interim Agreement in solidarity with the strike, aiming to secure protections against the use of AI in replicating their performances.

Emeri Chase, in a thread on Bluesky (reported by Eurogamer), clarified the nuances of the strike's impact on different projects. "Union projects that began work prior to the strike and non-union projects are not 'struck.' But they also do not offer the Union-enforced AI rights we are fighting for," Chase explained. The actor chose to withhold work from projects not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement, hoping that HoYoverse would keep Soldier 11 silent until they could return. However, Chase was replaced, learning of the recasting alongside the public.

Nicholas Thurkettle, despite not being a union member, also took a stand against the use of AI in the industry. He expressed his shock and disappointment at being replaced, stating, "I'm learning about this as you are, and I share your shock. Neither HoYoverse nor Sound Cadence has communicated with me since October." Thurkettle emphasized the existential threat posed by AI to voice actors and stood by his decision to demand protections, even at the cost of his role.

This incident is not isolated. In December, Activision confirmed recasting some characters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 amid the SAG-AFTRA strike. Characters like William Peck and Samantha Maxis were voiced by new actors, a move that raised concerns among the original voice actors about their brand and representation. Zeke Alton, the original voice of Peck, expressed worries about the lack of crediting for the new actor, which he felt misrepresented his abilities.

The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike continues to impact the video game industry, with voice actors advocating for their rights and protections against the encroachment of generative AI. For a deeper understanding of how the strike affects the gaming world, readers can refer to our feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.